FC Goa aren’t having best of the seasons in this edition of Indian Super League. They are currently lunging at the ninth place with 13 points to their name in the 12 games. They had the opportunity to climb up a bit when they faced a winless SC East Bengal who didn’t remain winless anymore after completing the match against the Gaurs. FC Goa lost their game against SC East Bengal by 2-1.
“This season has not been very good for us, right from the beginning. Yes we had our opportunities to climb up the table but I think we need to change our approach towards our remaining games. Our focus was to go into the playoffs but that put us under a lot of pressure. The players gave their best but somehow we have to get away from this.”, said Derrick Pereira on the chances missed in the previous games.
Bengaluru FC, the next opponents of FC Goa, are level in terms of points. However, they have played a game less than FC Goa. After a tough start in the league, Bengaluru FC are unbeaten for the 5 games, but with only 2 wins.
“Right now they are in good form. They have changed their formation and style. It’s difficult and we have to go there believing that everything can change. Everything is possible in football and we have to go with that mindset. Right now we are low on confidence. But we have to go there and give 100% with whole heart. I think if we do that, we should do well in the tomorrow’s game.”, said the head coach on his next opponent and game.
FC Goa have 8 more league games left, all against the teams above them. In the first leg, the team gathered 9 points from those games.
“Our approach towards the remaining matches is going to change. We are going with different mindset. We would like to perform in each and every match. We will try to give the best and take the maximum out of the remaining games.”, said head coach Derrick Pereira on being asked about the approach towards the next games.
The COVID is haunting teams in one or the other way. The training sessions are irregular and additionally in the crucial moments of the match some refeering decisions have been against the team. In usual cases, all these factors collectively will adversely affect the team morale.
“Especially after the last match, it was tough to lift everybody up. But I know that my players are brave, courageous and will come out of it.”, said Derrick Pereira. Unsurprisingly, Jorge Ortiz had more to say on the referees.
“I feel bad personally. But I can understand the mistakes of referees. Because in Europe (Spain in my case), I see a lot of refeering mistakes. But it’s not good as a part of it has put us in a very bad situation. I made one mistake against Bengaluru FC when I pushed a player and was out for two games and had to pay a fine, I don’t why. For us it’s very difficult because we missed four-five points in the last three games and that could have a lot of difference in the points table.”
Just like music to the ears, Brandon Fernandes is finally back from his injury. He had a training session with the team. “I will be talking to the medical team and see how fit he is. He maybe there in the matchday squad considering the takes of our medical team.”, asserted Derrick.
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